be a good man

a good buddy of mine passed away about a week ago.  he was a great alto player - very smooth and composed.  he wasn't like most saxophonists, who tend to be hung up on blasting the paint off the walls with a zillion diatonic patterns at light speed.  his poignant tone was spinning melodies with a sophistication unparalleled.  he was a good musician but, even more importantly, a good man.

i stress this to my students repeatedly.  getting through chord changes, keeping the form, transcribing solos, memorizing a bunch of tunes, soaring through the altissimo, trading fours with vigor and angularity are ALL well and fine, but you need to be a good person.  the aforementioned skill set is a foundation, a required criteria that most will possess.  if you're a jerk, expect to spend your weekend nights watching instead of participating.  my friend (and outstanding vocalist) erin fishler kept a nice duo thing going for a couple years.  she once told me that she liked the way i was on the gig - comfortable and creative.  that meant a lot then and has become my new measuring stick.

i met rich's son kevin, an outstanding jazz trumpeter at mcgill.  i met rich's younger brother allan, an influential recitalist and pedagogue at yale.  they are good guys.  i'm certain they took their lead from rich.  i vow to do the same.